The Buncombe County commissioners unanimously approved a $10 million economic-incentives package for Linamar Corp. July 26, as part of an agreement with the Canadian auto-parts manufacturer announced last month.
Tag: Buncombe County
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Chevy Volt arrives in Asheville; City and County flag efforts to shrink our carbon footprint
Leaders from Asheville and Buncombe County governments and a host of nonprofit organizations gathered at the Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce Thursday morning, July 28, for the Land-Of-Sky Regional Council’s unveiling of the 2011 Chevy Volt, a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle, which General Motors boasts has lower emissions and is less expensive to operate than a regular hybrid vehicle, such as the Toyota Prius. Xpress’ environmental reporter Susan Andrew was invited to take the Volt for a spin.
Controversial GOP–drawn districts become law
The first Republican-controlled General Assembly in 140 years ratified controversial voter districts July 28 that split Asheville and Buncombe County in ways that are likely to benefit GOP candidates.
Buncombe County moves to demolish CTS building
In response to requests by neighbors and with the approval of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Buncombe County is moving to demolish the contaminated former CTS of Asheville plant on Mills Gap Road.
Photo courtesy of EPA.
Live coverage of the July 26 Buncombe Commissioners meeting
Follow our Xpress live coverage of the July 26 Buncombe County Board of Commissioners meeting here beginning around 5 p.m.
Buncombe County Commissioners preview: Manufacturing a deal
The Buncombe County Board of Commissioners is expected July 26 to approve a large real-estate sale to Linamar Corp. as part of an economic incentives package aimed at ensuring the Canadian-based auto-parts manufacturer fulfills its plans to operate in Buncombe County.
Forest Service identifies general time for prescribed burn at Bent Creek, week of July 25
If you see smoke in the Bent Creek area this coming week, it’s likely part of a research project: If weather conditions remain safe, the USDA Forest Service says it will conduct a prescribed burn sometime during the week of July 25. The burn is being done for research purposes on the Bent Creek Experimental Forest near Lake Powhatan, southwest of Asheville, say officials at the Southern Research Station of the USDA Forest Service.
Photo by Jonathan Welch
Boxed out: Buncombe County allows some newspaper bins, bans others
Buncombe County approved the temporary return of three newspaper boxes to their former home outside the courthouse but is continuing to ban the others removed late last month. The move comes after Mountain Xpress and the Asheville Citizen-Times jointly retained attorney Amanda Martin to write a letter challenging the county’s decision.
Photos by Jerry Nelson, JourneyAmerica.org
Keep Buncombe County together
The proposed legislative redistricting plan for the state of North Carolina would split Buncombe County into two parts: the eastern segment (including the city of Asheville) would join the 10th District while the western part of the county would remain in the 11th District with the other mountain counties. Splitting the Buncombe County electorate would […]
Deadly bat disease suspected in Buncombe County
The deadly bat disease known as white-nose syndrome is probably present in Buncombe County, according to a new report from the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission. The news raises the number of affected counties in Western North Carolina to four. Since its initial appearance in a New York cave in 2006. the fungal disease has killed bats at a startling rate. Biologists worry that mortality from the disease is so high, we may be witnessing an extinction event.
Photo by Jonathan Welch
Commissioners may counter state-mandated election changes with referendum
Faced with recently passed state legislation mandating that the Buncombe County Board of Commissioners switch to district elections, the commissioners may counter by holding a referendum on the way the board is elected, Chair David Gantt tells Xpress.
Buncombe County’s removal of newspaper boxes may violate First Amendment
Last week, Buncombe County Manager Wanda Greene‘s office ordered the removal of 17 newspaper boxes in front of the courthouse, claiming they were unsightly. The move, according to North Carolina Press Association attorney Amanda Martin, was illegal and violates First Amendment protections on newspaper racks on public property.
The newspaper boxes after their removal. Photos by Jeff Tallman
Kudos to Nelda Holder on home rule
Kudos to Nelda Holder for her column on home rule, pointing out how the N.C. Democratic Party is merely getting a taste of its own medicine [“You Say Po-tay-to,” June 22 Xpress]. Her departure from Mountain Xpress editorial power has been a huge loss. Home rule is a big part of the reason I left […]
The big deal: Linamar will bring almost 400 jobs to Asheville
County buys Volvo plant. County sells Volvo plant to Linamar Group, a Canadian manufacturer, the following year. Asheville gives Linamar $2.2 million in incentives over four years. Buncombe puts up $6.8 million in incentives. North Carolina pitches in $9 million. The hoped-for results? Almost 400 jobs for the Asheville-Buncombe area that pay, on average, more than $39,000 a year.
Governor Bev Perdue announces Linamar’s expansion. Photo by Jonathan Welch
On retainers
Buncombe County Board of Commissioners June 21, 2001 meeting $303 million budget approved Emma Elementary gets sidewalk New rules triggered by the “Great Wall of Reynolds” aim to improve the safety and appearance of large retaining walls. The Buncombe County Board of Commissioners unanimously adopted the rules at their June 21 meeting. The changes had […]
Buncombe Commissioners vote to buy former Volvo site for $7 million
The Buncombe County Board of Commissioners voted unanimously June 28 to purchase the former Volvo plant at 2169 Hendersonville Road for $7 million in taxpayer funds. In the weeks leading up to the vote, county, city and state leaders have hinted that the purchase is part of a larger, multifaceted arrangement with a private employer to take over the site. And in the hours leading up to the vote, WLOS News 13 began reporting that the employer is the Canadian-based Linamar Corporation, a large manufacturer of engines, transmissions and drive trains.
Balancing act?
Depending on whom you ask, a recent change to Buncombe County's election law is either a blatantly partisan Republican dictate from Raleigh or a much-needed adjustment to restore balance and fairness to local government after an unduly long period of Democratic rule. Ratified by the state Legislature May 19 after House and Senate votes that […]
Buncombe County Commissioners preview: Budget battle (round 2)
The Tuesday, June 7, meeting of the Buncombe County Board of Commissioners will feature public hearings on its 2011–2012 budget proposal and several related issues.
Future of WNC Community Media Center board in doubt after several members resign
Several members of the WNC Community Media Center Board of Directors have resigned, raising more questions about its solvency.
Leadership bicycle ride highlights multimodal progress
A group of local elected officials and community leaders gathered May 18 for the Mayor’s Leadership Ride, an annual bicycle tour of the city designed to highlight recent infrastructure improvements and upcoming projects.
Buncombe commissioner elections bill passes Senate, will become law
The North Carolina Senate passed a bill May 18 to expand the Buncombe County Board of Commissioners from five to seven members and mandate district representation in place of the current at-large elections.